The Montreal Vegan Festival is an event celebrated not only for its culinary experience, but also for its invitation to rethink our approaches to food, beverages, and even fashion, all while supporting local entrepreneurs. From Nov. 9 to 10, the Grand Quai du Port de Montréal hosted this immersive experience into the world of veganism, where speakers shared insightful speeches about their journey. Contrary to common misconceptions, veganism isn’t just about food, and neither is the festival; rather, the event highlights veganism as a lifestyle centred on sustainability that pertains to a broad range of products and choices. Through conferences, culinary workshops, tastings, and local initiatives, the festival introduced attendees to the vegan lifestyle. 

This year, the festival gave the floor to two spokespeople: Marie-Michelle Chouinard and Lloyd Rose. Known as Une Maman Végane on Instagram, Chouinard shares vegan recipes and her journey as a vegan mom and food lover with her followers. Through her blog, cookbook, and strong social media presence, Chouinard has made a name for herself in the vegan world. Rose, a famous vegan chef, author of Crazy Good Vegan, and creator of Plantcrazii, joined Chouinard for a cooking demo.

The festival also welcomed many exhibitors looking to promote their products. This year, over 100 stands offered vegan food and drink samples, as well as vegan cosmetics, clothing, and tattoos—even the Communauté du Droit animalier Québec (DAQ) presented its services. 

Notably, while all of the products sold were vegan, veganism wasn’t the primary concern for all vendors. For example, Ah! Tout Cru dans le bec commercializes organic raw walnut butters and recipes to incorporate them in daily meals. Company representative Philippe Rhinan talked to The Tribune about how the products’ veganism was a happy accident, not a primary goal .

“[Our product] happened to be vegan,” Rhinan said. “I realized that I didn’t engage with the vegan community when they’re the ones who need germinated seeds and nuts, [so] my battle is to make [our product] as available as possible.”

Ariane Boudreau, a representative for Dr. Mist, a natural multi-use deodorant and topical antihistamine, also elaborated on her company’s vision of veganism.

“Vegan people are really cautious about what they eat, but [veganism is also about] what you put on your body. Deodorant plays a role [in that sense],” she stated in an interview with The Tribune. “Because we produce something that fits with vegan people’s values, I think that we belong [in the Festival], and it attracts customers as well.” 

Imagine fresh vegetables and fruits growing on the rooftops of Montreal, just steps away from your apartment: That’s exactly what Lufa Farms does. From an ecological standpoint, the heat saved from the offices below reduces their energy consumption by 50 per cent compared to traditional ground-level greenhouses.

Constantin Schlumberger, a Lufa Farms team member, explained how their online service is truly time-saving—especially for busy students. 

“I can enjoy a beer with friends, pick up my phone, place an order using my favourites list, and have it delivered to my home the next day,” he said.

This eco-conscious approach is also budget-friendly, making it perfect for students: The company offers 30 per cent off your first four orders, including a free tote bag. With just a few clicks, you can stock your fridge with fresh and locally sourced products, all from the comfort of your home. Lufa Farms’ model of responsible consumption illustrates the impact of small and medium-sized companies within a ​​short food circuit.

The festival also enabled consumers to directly engage with producers, something rarely possible when buying products that have traveled thousands of miles.

“When [people] come to the festival, they see where the products come from, and build trust,” Schlumberger shared about traceability.

The Montreal Vegan Festival is an excellent place to take your first step into the world of veganism. With surprising wonders and flavours all around, the festival helps attendees learn about how to be vegan and realize how veganism is everywhere—even beyond your plate! 

Interviews were translated from French.